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Cruz aiming for consistency in bid to make Dodgers

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GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Hanley Ramirez drove in a run Sunday, which is his favorite part of playing baseball and why he gets the big bucks.

Luis Cruz homered for the other Dodgers run Sunday, which is exactly what he needs to do to alleviate concern about whether he can duplicate a solid second half last season after a career stuck in the Minor Leagues.

"I'm just trying to get the timing right," said Cruz, who struggled offensively while sick during the Mexican Winter League and is a week away from leaving for Team Mexico and the World Baseball Classic.

"It's most important for me to be ready for the season, but the WBC will help me a lot to get ready."

The incumbent starting third baseman who displaced Juan Uribe, a year ago Cruz was a non-roster invitee headed back to Triple-A.

"It's a big difference, but I have to come to Spring Training trying to make the team," he said. "I've got to compete. A lot of guys want to win a spot. I have to keep showing consistency."